When I first started professionally in pickleball back in 2017, the sheer absurdity of what I was doing was not lost on me. Picture this: I was cold-calling tennis facilities across the US and Canada, explaining what pickleball even was, and asking to tape down lines on their pristine tennis or basketball courts for a group of die-hard pickleball enthusiasts committed to improving their game. I was met with skepticism, confusion, and occasionally; outright laughter. We used to joke in the early days that it sounded like I was pitching darts lessons.
Fast forward to today, and pickleball is everywhere—from your local park to national media. It’s not just a sport anymore; it’s a movement and it has caught fire. And while its rapid growth is exciting, it also comes with challenges. Like any industry experiencing a meteoric rise, I believe pickleball’s continued success depends on one key ingredient: collaboration.
Since 2020, it’s felt like the entire pickleball industry has been strapped to a metaphorical rocket ship. What began as a quirky retirement community game for snowbirds and former tennis players has become the fastest-growing sport in North America, for years running. Millions of new players are picking up paddles each year, from kids at Nike US Sports Camps to college athletes competing in DUPR Collegiate championships.
But here’s the thing: pickleball isn’t just for former racquet sports players anymore. It’s evolved into a gateway sport—a welcoming on-ramp for people with even no athletic history. I would argue that’s the best part of its magic. The low barriers to entry, the quick learning curve, and the community-focused nature of the game make it incredibly appealing for so many. I would argue It’s the only sport where you’ll see an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old playing doubles together and having an absolute blast.
Pickleball’s growth is too big for any one player, brand, or organization to handle alone. It’s going to take a village—or, in this case, an entire ecosystem—to sustain the sport’s momentum. This is precisely what RacquetX looks to deliver.
RacquetX isn’t just a convention; it’s a meeting place for the entire racquet industry. It’s where manufacturers, facility operators, event organizers, media outlets, players, and community leaders come together to share ideas, forge partnerships, and solve problems. It’s a space for collaboration, innovation, and collective growth.
At RacquetX, the big players can connect with the grassroots advocates who keep this sport alive. Facility operators can learn how to turn underutilized tennis courts into vibrant pickleball hubs. Paddle brands can showcase their latest innovations. And everyone—pros and recreational players alike—can come together to celebrate the sport that’s bringing people together like never before.
Pickleball’s rise is undeniable, but its future depends on collaboration. RacquetX isn’t just about showcasing products or networking; it’s about building the framework for the next chapter of raquets. By connecting the right people with the right ideas, we can ensure that the sport’s growth remains sustainable, inclusive, and impactful.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an industry veteran, or a newcomer to the sport, there is a seat at the table to shape pickleball’s future. Because together, we’re not just playing a game—we’re building a community.
Bio: Kate Wilson is the Founder of Kate Wilson Consulting (DBA Mayor of Pickleball, Wilson & Wilson Pickleball Advisory). With over seven years of experience in the pickleball industry, Kate is a recognized leader in partnerships and strategic growth. She is known for her work with Third Shot Sports, co-founding Pickleball Coaching International, and serving as a key figure at Selkirk Sport, the leading paddle manufacturer in the sport. At Selkirk, Kate established their partnerships program, managed professional athlete and influencer initiatives, and played a pivotal role in the brand’s growth and success.
Now, as a consultant and industry expert, Kate helps brands, organizations, and facilities navigate and thrive in the rapidly growing pickleball space. Learn more at www.mayorofpickleball.com.
